Southern California -- this just in

Santa Barbara fire: At least 1,300 acres burned

May 7, 2009 | 8:40
am

Capt. Mike Deponce of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department said that as of 6 a.m. today at least 1,300 acres have burned in the Jesusita fire and that there are now 1,394 fire personnel assigned to the blaze.

Ten injuries have been reported, although it is unclear how many of those injuries involved firefighters and how many involved civilians. Deponce said most of the residents living in the foothills have evacuated.

"It's pretty desolate up there right now," Deponce said, adding that he saw several people coming down the hills Wednesday night as he and his team made their way up to battle 100-foot flames fueled by fierce winds.